Hopewell Rocks Interpretive Centre New Brunswick
Witness the world's highest tides at Hopewell Rocks, where you can walk on the ocean floor and explore unique 'flowerpot' rock formations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Walk on the ocean floor
Hopewell Rocks Interpretive Centre New Brunswick
Best Time
Walk on the ocean floor
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the world's highest tides at Hopewell Rocks, where you can walk on the ocean floor and explore unique 'flowerpot' rock formations.
"Visiting Hopewell Rocks was an unforgettable experience, possibly my favorite in a long time."
⏰ Check Tide Times First!
Crucial for seeing the ocean floor. Visit during low tide for the full experience.
🥾 Wear Waterproof Boots
Essential for walking on the muddy seabed. Rent or bring your own!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Famous Flowerpots
Ocean floor at low tide
Iconic, eroded rock formations that look like flowerpots. Walk among them at low tide for incredible photos!
Walking on the Ocean Floor
Bay of Fundy seabed
Experience the world's highest tides by walking on the exposed seabed during low tide. A truly unique adventure!
High Tide Spectacle
Shoreline
Witness the dramatic rise of the Bay of Fundy's tides, transforming the landscape and surrounding the flowerpots with water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything: Tides are Key
Embrace the Elements: What to Wear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏰ Check Tide Times First!
Crucial for seeing the ocean floor. Visit during low tide for the full experience. +1
🥾 Wear Waterproof Boots
Essential for walking on the muddy seabed. Rent or bring your own!
🎟️ 24-Hour Access Ticket
Your ticket is valid for 24 hours, allowing you to see both high and low tides.
🚗 Shuttle Service Available
Easy golf cart shuttle to the beach if you don't want to walk the stairs.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏰ Check Tide Times First!
Crucial for seeing the ocean floor. Visit during low tide for the full experience. +1
🥾 Wear Waterproof Boots
Essential for walking on the muddy seabed. Rent or bring your own!
🎟️ 24-Hour Access Ticket
Your ticket is valid for 24 hours, allowing you to see both high and low tides.
🚗 Shuttle Service Available
Easy golf cart shuttle to the beach if you don't want to walk the stairs.
📸 Endless Photo Ops
Capture the dramatic landscapes at both low and high tide. Don't miss the flowerpots! +1
💧 Boot Washing Stations
Clean your boots before leaving to avoid tracking mud.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hopewell Rocks for its breathtaking natural beauty and the unforgettable experience of witnessing the world's highest tides. The unique 'flowerpot' rock formations and the ability to walk on the ocean floor at low tide are major highlights. While some recent erosion has altered formations, the overall spectacle and the park's well-managed facilities, including helpful staff and convenient shuttle services, ensure a memorable visit.
"Visiting Hopewell Rocks was an unforgettable experience, possibly my favorite in a long time. We were incredibly fortunate to spot a bull moose during low tide, an event that almost never occurs. It was a truly special and unexpected moment.
The staff on site were exceptional, highly organized and attentive. They ensured everyone’s safety by guiding us from the beach back to the stairs as the moose came closer to shore.
Witnessing both the low and high tides was absolutely breathtaking. The natural beauty here is indescribable, a must-see experience!"
Kat
"Beautiful place to visit. Walked down the trail to see the high tide, returned later and took a shuttle down so we could walk on the ocean floor at low tide. Great value price wise, one ticket allows you to come and go for 24 hours, so you could go back and see both high and low tides. Has a great gift shop. Plenty of parking for all sizes of vehicles. Eady to find and a beautiful drive to get there."
Michele Grossauer
"We loved Hopewell Rocks. Staying overnight nearby to see both high and low tide was absolutely worth it. The trails are beautiful, the hike is enjoyable, and the shuttle makes it easy to explore. Good coffee, a great gift shop, and a nice little museum made the visit even better. The people are so friendly and knowledgeable, which really added to the experience."
Cindy Andrie (MsCinderella)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hopewell Rocks is about an hour's drive from Moncton, New Brunswick. Take NB-15 E to NB-11 S, then follow signs for Hopewell Rocks. Many visitors drive, and there's ample parking available.
Public transportation options are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Hopewell Rocks. Consider carpooling or checking local tour operators if you don't have a vehicle.
From Saint John, take NB-1 E towards Moncton, then follow signs for Hopewell Rocks. The drive is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
The closest major airport is Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM), which is about an hour's drive away.
Yes, it's possible as a long day trip, but it's a significant drive (around 3.5-4 hours each way). Staying overnight nearby is highly recommended to experience both tides.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees vary by season and age. A family pass is available, and tickets are typically valid for 24 hours, allowing you to see both high and low tides. Check the official website for current pricing.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak season, to save time and guarantee entry.
Operating hours vary seasonally. The park is generally open daily during the summer months but may have reduced hours or be closed during the off-season. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Parking is typically included with your admission ticket. There is ample parking available for visitors.
Yes, your admission ticket is usually valid for 24 hours, allowing you to return to experience both the high and low tides.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The best time depends on what you want to see! For walking on the ocean floor, aim for low tide. To see the dramatic water levels, visit during high tide. Many visitors stay overnight to experience both. +1
To fully appreciate the tidal changes, plan for at least 3-4 hours, or ideally, visit at both low and high tide, which your 24-hour ticket allows.
While not always formal guided tours, staff are often available to provide information and insights. Kayaking tours are also offered for a unique perspective.
Facilities include washrooms, a gift shop, a small museum, and a cafe. There are also boot-washing stations. +1
There is an accessibility ramp to the beach, and a shuttle service (golf cart) is available to transport visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'flowerpot' rock formations are iconic. Capture them from different angles at low tide, and then again surrounded by water at high tide for dramatic contrast. +1
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour can be particularly stunning.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the landscape. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or capturing the movement of the tides.
Drone usage may be restricted. It's best to check the park's regulations or contact them directly before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
Photographing the extreme tidal range is unique. Consider capturing the scale by including people in your shots, or focus on the intricate details of the eroded rock formations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for potential wildlife sightings, as one family had an unforgettable experience spotting a moose during low tide!
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Adventurers
If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) might offer fewer crowds and a more serene atmosphere. Remember to check tide times carefully and be prepared for varying weather conditions. The 24-hour ticket is perfect for solo travelers who want to savor the experience at their own pace.
📸 Photographers & Nature Enthusiasts
Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the geological processes at play and the unique ecosystem of the Bay of Fundy. Keep an eye out for marine life that might be exposed at low tide, and be aware of the powerful currents and tides. The park's well-maintained trails also offer opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the coastal scenery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Bay of Fundy Tides
It's crucial to plan your visit around these tides. Seeing the 'flowerpot' rocks at low tide is a must-do for many, offering incredible photo opportunities and a chance to explore the ocean floor.
Navigating the Park and What to Expect
Once on the beach, the main attraction is undoubtedly the 'flowerpot' rock formations. These are naturally sculpted by erosion and are the stars of the show. Visitors can walk around and even between these formations during low tide. Be prepared for muddy conditions, and waterproof footwear is highly recommended. Many visitors also appreciate the boot-washing stations available to clean off mud before leaving the park.
The park also offers well-maintained trails for exploring the surrounding coastline, and a small museum provides further insights into the area's natural history. The staff are generally praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
A Note on Recent Changes and Visitor Experiences
Despite these changes, the overall visitor experience remains highly positive. Many reviewers emphasize that the park is still a must-see destination, with plenty of other stunning rock formations and the unparalleled spectacle of the Bay of Fundy tides.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit